Our story began slightly unconventional and very unexpected, or as I like to call it, a modern-day romance story.

Let's jump back to March of 2019, when Collin added Rachael on snapchat during his senior year, spring break trip after randomly following each other on Instagram. However, Rachael did not initially add him back nor reply to the snapchats from 'Fergi6'. Because who even is 'Fergi6'?! Probably a spam account. Eventually Rachael started to recognize him and quickly looked up his Instagram page to confirm. Once she realized who 'Fergi6' was, she eagerly started snapchatting him back because.... I mean, ooh la la, have you seen him?!

After several months of texting and conversing they finally decided to meet up. It was when Collin was halfway through Georgia, driving his dad's Toyota Camry, to meet Rachael for the very first time, when his dad called him and asked what he was up too. Collin was thinking 'Well, I'm supposed to be in Charleston but instead, I'm on i-20 in the middle of nowhere Georgia going to meet a random girl I've never met.' but instead replied to his dad "oh nothing! Just hanging out with friends!"

They obviously hit it off immediately and became inseparable after that. Collin had just graduated from the Citadel and was set to commission in the Coast Guard as an officer. It was June 13, 2019, when Collin had asked Rachael to be his girlfriend! Several hours later that same day, they were at the pool when Collin got a phone call. The phone call was from the Coast Guard telling him he got his first 3-year assignment... in Long Beach, California! Talk about a wave of emotions! Knowing we just made it "official" and will now be living 2500 miles apart from each other for the next 3 years.

What we thought would never work out, turned into being our biggest blessing. They enjoyed the rest of the summer together, traveling back and forth between Charleston and Kennesaw spending most weekends with each other.

Then the time came for Collin to move to Huntington Beach, California and Rachael started nursing school that August at Kennesaw State. The next 2 years Rachael was able to focus on nursing school while Collin was settling into his new career. They had many fun trips lasting weeks at a time, making unforgettable memories together such as traveling to San Diego to ride 4-wheelers through the Ocotillo Desert for Collins birthday, celebrating their anniversary by taking a sunset boat ride through Newport Harbor, paddle boarding, spending Thanksgiving together and traveling to San Fransico and LA.

What they thought would last forever, 3 years being apart, finally came to an end. Rachael had graduated from nursing school and had 1 year of nursing under her belt, and Collin was ready for his next assignment. His next job landed him in Washington D.C. and it was time Rachael finally joined him, beginning their next chapter together!

Now they live together in Alexandria, VA with their two pups, Waylon and Posie (a pitbull and miniature golden doodle who are quite the dynamic duo!) Collin works at the Coast Guard headquarters as a Lieutenant and Rachael has been working as a trauma nurse at Virginia Hospital Center.

After 5 years, they're beyond ready to start this next chapter of their lives together. To officially tie the knot and get married! Surrounded by their closest friends and family in the most beautiful city on the east coast. A place that is so meaningful to both of them and where their love story began. We are so excited and thankful to share this beautiful and iconic wedding weekend with you in Charleston, South Carolina!

We can't wait to see you all there and be a part of our love story!